Have we got a proposition for you! Several, actually. That’s because proposition bets, regularly referred to as props, are associated with the Super Bowl as hot dogs are to baseball. Props are a series of betting options offered on the big game as an alternative to standard pointspread or total bets. We’ve identified some of the more zany props being offered along with some that may actually turn a profit.

PROPS FOR SHOW

These props are geared more towards shock value and pure entertainment. The house will usually allow small limits on these types but will receive activity on them nonetheless. Let’s look at some of the zany ones:

1. WILL THE PANTHERS PLAYER WHO SCORES THEIR FIRST TD GIVE THE FOOTBALL TO A BOY OR GIRL?

Boy -200, Girl +150

It has become customary for Carolina players that score a touchdown to run through the end zone to find a bright-eyed kid, usually in a Panthers uniform, to give the ball to. While it might be safe to assume that there are more boys at the game than girls, we still believe that backing the girl at +150 is the way to go. Even big, rugged athletes have a soft spot for young, enthusiastic female fans and given the choice, most would lean that way.

2. WILL MIKE CAREY BE WRONG ABOUT A CHALLENGE?

Yes +100, No -140

Not so long ago, Mike Carey was considered a top-notch referee. He should have left well enough alone. After hanging up his stripes to become a network ‘officiating analyst’, Mr. Carey has been an abomination in his new role. This guy has the accuracy of a Tim Tebow pass attempt. If there is a close call that gets challenged, expecting the ex-ref to botch the outcome is almost a lock.

3. WHAT COLOUR WILL THE GATORADE (OR LIQUID) BE THAT IS DUMPED ON THE HEAD COACH OF THE WINNING SUPER BOWL TEAM?

This is legit. We swear. Not only that, thanks to our friends at oddsshark.com, we have some historical data on this crucial component of any Super Bowl. Dating back 15 seasons, ‘clear’ has been poured on the winning coach most often with four drenchings. However, it’s been a colour or no dousing over the past seven championships. The Panthers went orange in their win over Arizona two weeks ago but unlikely they go that route again considering that Denver’s colours include orange. Denver could go orange, if they win. Avoid red, it’s never been used. Blue was used for first time last year. Yellow (lemon/lime flavour) has been poured twice in the 15 years and seems overdue. Yellow it is.

PROPS FOR DOUGH

The list of props is endless. Different ones are offered at different houses. But many are duplicated or are standard (i.e. quarterback passing yards). Knowing that the sportsbooks are in a frenzy to get the props circulated quickly, opportunity is created. Here is a list of some of the props that we hope have uncovered some advantages:

1. THE LAST PLAY OF GAME IS:

QB rush -185, NOT a QB rush +160

Like many props, this one is contingent to how you believe the game may play out. If the game is within a score (or maybe two) and the team trailing possesses the ball in the dying seconds, you know they won’t be kneeling down (considered to be a rush). Our research finds that only 42% of games over the past two seasons end with a rush attempt or kneel down. With that low percentage and the lucrative odds being offered here, taking the +160 presents an enticing and valuable opportunity.

2. LONGEST RUSH BY: CAM NEWTON (CAR)

OVER 12.5 YARDS -110. UNDER 12.5 YARDS -110

Denver was 3rd best team in the NFL this year at stopping the run. However, the closest the Broncos came to facing a rushing quarterback was Minnesota’s Teddy Bridgewater, who is a marginal runner at best. Cam Newton ran for 686 yards this season, including playoffs. In 18 games thus far, Cam exceeded a 12½ yard run on nine occasions. This being the ‘Cam Show’, we’d be surprised if the skilled QB doesn’t take off for a big run or two. OVER for us.

3. TOTAL RUSHING YARDS BY: C.J. ANDERSON (DEN)

OVER 58.5 -110, UNDER 58.5 -110

The general consensus is that the Broncos will need to control the clock and play strong defence to win here. If you believe they can accomplish that, running the ball will be a key factor. That means a lot of C.J. Anderson, who has picked up his game recently with his past four performances surpassing this posted total. C.J. ran for exactly 72 yards in each of Denver’s two playoff games on 15 and 16 carries, respectively. He had a 95-yarder and 73-yarder in two games prior to that one. Carolina can defend but 58.5 is definitely attainable if the Broncos don’t have to play catch up early on.

4. TOTAL RUSHING YARDS BY PANTHERS:

OVER 124.5 -110, UNDER 124.5 -110

Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart ran for more than 1600 combined yards this season, making them a dangerous duo. Still, the Broncos are adept at stopping the run, allowing just 83.6 yards per game. In 18 contests played until now, only the Chiefs were able to top the 124.5 yards listed for this one. That includes two playoff games where Denver gave up less than 65 yards per contest. The Broncos relinquished just 100 yards to opposing runners only seven times all year. Backing the ‘under’ on this prop is going with the best of it.